Root-seeking and Ancestral Worship Tour to Central Plains - A Pilgrimage

Author: Hong'an Li
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The mountains and waters of Qinyang, Henan Province, are surrounded by the melodies of the pitch pipes played by the Music Saint Zhu Zaiyu.
From Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, travel 100 kilometers northwest to reach Qinyang City. Qinyang is a district under the jurisdiction of Jiaozuo City. Qinyang City is home to various terrains, including mountains, hills, and plains, with five rivers such as the Qin River, Mang River, and Dan River flowing through it. Qinyang is located in the golden triangle of the "Zhengzhou-Luoyang-Jiaozuo" section of the Eurasian Land Bridge, enjoying superior geographical location and extremely convenient transportation.
Qinyang has a long history. During the Xia Dynasty, it was the capital of Tanhuai, in the Shang Dynasty, it was a key area of the Shang realm, in the Zhou Dynasty, it was the site of Yewang, and in the Han Dynasty, it was established as Yewang County. By the Sui Dynasty, it was renamed He’nei County, and in the Ming Dynasty, it became the seat of Huaiqing and Qingzhou prefectures. In 1931, it was officially named Qinyang County. Qinyang has long been the political, economic, and cultural center of northwest Henan, serving as a hub for commodity trade.
Ancient lands are often fertile ground for folk legends. Beautiful and moving stories such as the Nüwa Mending the Sky, Erlang Carrying Mountains, Laojun Welcoming Guests, and the Gathering of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove all take place in Qinyang, showcasing its profound historical and cultural heritage. The outstanding figures nurtured by Qinyang’s ancient mountains and fertile soil have gained fame across Central China and spread throughout the Chinese nation. Poet Li Shangyin of the Tang Dynasty, scientist Xu Heng of the Yuan Dynasty, and scientist and artist Zhu Zaijing of the Ming Dynasty are all sources of pride for Qinyang. Throughout history, emperors, generals, scholars, and literati have visited Qinyang to admire its scenery, including Cao Cao of the Wei Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, poet Wang Wei of the Tang Dynasty, literary giant Han Yu, Emperor Minghuang of the Tang Dynasty, and Yelü Chucai and Emperor Qianlong. They either climbed mountains to enjoy the views or composed poems and odes, enriching Qinyang’s cultural landscape. Places such as the Han Wen Gong Temple, Cao Jin Tomb, Li Shangyin Tomb, He Tang Tomb, Deng Yu Tomb, and the Tomb of the Music Saint Zhu Zaiyu are all excellent destinations for root-seeking tourists to pay their respects. Ancient sites such as the Ancient Yangchang, the Remains of the Zhao Kingdom’s Great Wall, the Tang Ancient City Ruins, and the Song Ancient Fortress all demonstrate their historical and cultural value. The beautiful natural scenery and historic attractions complement each other.
Zhu Zaiyu is the pride of Qinyang people. In the hearts of the people of Qinyang, he is revered and remains so for three or four hundred years. Zhu Zaiyu is the pride of the Chinese people.
Zhu Zaiyu, styled Boqin, was also known as "Jiuqu Mountain Man" and, in his youth, as "Madman" and "Shanyang Wine-Fueled Immortal Guest."
Zhu Zaiyu was the ninth-generation descendant of Emperor Taizu of Ming, the sixth-generation descendant of Emperor Renzong, and a direct descendant of the Zhen Royal Family. His father was Prince Gong of Zhen, a skilled calligrapher and writer who was well-versed in music and musical notation.
Zhu Zaiyu was born in the Jiufeng Mountains in Qinyang City.